John Lomas

Mansfield Town chairman John Radford has given the green light to manager Steve Evans’ plans for promotion glory next season.

After Stags finished 12th on Saturday and missed out on the play-offs, Evans sat down with Radford for a summit meeting on Monday night to discuss his blueprint for 2017/18 which will see the chairman having to dig deep into his pockets to fund a serious assault on the top three.

Radford said: “Our meeting went very well as expected. Steve and I spoke at great length about our plans and ambitions for next season.

“We are targeting automatic promotion, and as I said in my address to our supporters on Sunday evening, Steve will have my full backing to do what is required to give us the best possible chance of delivering promotion to League One.

“Steve was in buoyant mood, great spirits and typically passionate and determined as we spoke about our plans to make the Stags bigger, better and stronger.

“Steve has a series of meetings with current players tomorrow and our retained list will be announced soon after those meetings have been conducted.”

Evans has a list of target players, almost all from higher divisions, and Radford said: “It’s important that our work now begins ahead of next season.

“We have agreed on the list of player targets and our supporters should expect an exciting close/pre-season.

“Our business will be conducted in a professional manner and we will continue the club’s policy of announcing our incomings/outgoings through the club’s official communication channels.

“Our work for 2017-18 starts immediately and I am already filled with excitement for next season.

“It is important that our crowds continue to increase at One Call Stadium next season.

“Season ticket prices will be announced in the coming days and I would encourage supporters both old and new to purchase as soon as is possible.

“We are a club on the up and I, along with Steve and Carolyn, am determined to make 2017-18 a season to remember for both the football club and the town.”